SP power tussle: Akhilesh and Shivpal supporters clash, leaders forced to step in

HIGHLIGHTS

Thousands of supporters of Akhilesh clashed with followers of his uncle Shivpal in Lucknow.

The two groups started shouting slogans for their leaders and with emotions running high.

Later, the leaders got together and vowed to work together to stop the BJP.

Thousands of supporters of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav clashed with followers of his uncle Shivpal Yadav in Lucknow as they demanded that the CM be reinstated as party chief. (Photo: Naeem Ansari)

HIGHLIGHTS

Thousands of supporters of Akhilesh clashed with followers of his uncle Shivpal in Lucknow.

The two groups started shouting slogans for their leaders and with emotions running high.

Later, the leaders got together and vowed to work together to stop the BJP.

The fortunes of Samajwadi Party swung wildly on Saturday. The day started with a show of unity by party workers, devolved into a clash between supporters of the two factions in the afternoon and ended with more claims of unity by the trio of Akhilesh, Mulayam and Shivpal Yadav. CLASHES

The fortunes of Samajwadi Party swung wildly on Saturday. The day started with a show of unity by party workers, devolved into a clash between supporters of the two factions in the afternoon and ended with more claims of unity by the trio of Akhilesh, Mulayam and Shivpal Yadav.

CLASHES

The day had started with a show of unity around the CM's official residence and Mulayam's house, but soon the cracks began to appear as supporters disbanded into groups based on their allegiances. Thousands of supporters of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh clashed with followers of his uncle Shivpal outside Mulayam's house in Lucknow as they demanded that the CM be reinstated as party chief.

The presidents of the four youth wings of SP, along with hundreds of supporters gathered outside the SP head quarters shouting pro-Akhilesh slogans. The supporters also marched towards Mulayam's house, which is adjacent to SP headquarters, in an apparent bid to 'gherao' his house. At the same time, Shivpal along with his band of supporters reached Mulayam's house for a meeting. The two groups started shouting slogans for their leaders and with emotions running high, some supporters clashed among them.

DISASTER AVERTED

"How can you change our 'Senapati' in the middle of the battle? We are with Akhilesh and will do anything for our young leader", said Mohammad Abad, president of the MSY youth Brigade. However, the police and senior party leaders managed to control the tempers and avert any disaster. A disturbed Mulayam called Akhilesh (who was at his official residence nearby) 'ordering' him to tackle his supporters, according to sources.

Akhilesh immediately appealed for calm and asked them to stop all agitations and respect the decisions of Netaji. "We all have to abide by Netaji's decision. We have to contest the elections together and form the government. All decisions of Netaji are for the interest of the party. No agitations, banners, posters please", Akhilesh said.

COMMITMENT TO WORK TOGETHER

Later in the day, Mulayam, while addressing the office bearers of the youth wings and party workers, scolded them for the protests against Shivpal's elevation to party chief. "Has Shivpal done anything less (than me) for the party? I have nurtured the party with my blood and will not tolerate any drama. Tum yehann tamasha kar rahe ho aur BJP booth majboot kar rahi hai. (You are creating drama here and BJP is getting strengthened," Mulayam said.

Akhilesh also went to meet Shivpal at his house in the evening along with his wife and MP Dimple Yadav. "We (party and government) will extend all kind of help to him and we will work together to form the next government. There is little time left and it is time to unite," he said.ALSO READ: